POPE FRANCIS ACCEPTS RETIREMENT OF DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S AUXILIARY BISHOP RAYMOND F. CHAPPETTO

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of Diocese of Brooklyn’s Auxiliary Bishop Raymond F. Chappetto. The resignation was publicized in Washington on March 7, 2022, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

As required by Canon (Church) law, at the age of 75, all bishops must submit a letter of resignation from the ecclesiastical office that they hold. It is then a determination of the Holy See as to when to accept the resignation.

“I share the appreciation of so many in the diocese for Bishop Chappetto’s many years of dedicated service here in Brooklyn and Queens.  Personally, I thank him for staying on beyond the retirement age to assist with the transition, and to Pope Francis for allowing that,” said The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn.

“It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve for 51 years as a priest, 10 of those years as a Bishop, for the great Diocese of Brooklyn. I am grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and to Bishops DiMarzio and Brennan, for their support of my ministry,” stated Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Raymond F. Chappetto.

The Most Reverend Raymond F. Chappetto, D.D., was born on August 20, 1945, in Astoria. He studied at Cathedral College in Brooklyn and was awarded a Master of Divinity from Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Albany. Bishop Chappetto also holds a Master of Arts in Religious Education from St. John’s University and is certified in Pastoral Counseling.

Raymond F. Chappetto was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1971. Throughout his ministry, he has served in numerous parishes in Brooklyn and Queens, and as an Episcopal Vicar for Brooklyn West. In 1997, then-Father Chappetto was named a Prelate of Honor (Monsignor) by Saint John Paul II.

In 2008, while assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of Snows in Floral Park, then-Monsignor Chappetto was named Pastor of the Year by the National Catholic Education Association. During his ministry at Our Lady of Snows, he was named Minister for Priests. In 2009, he was named Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life, a position held until 2021.

On July 11, 2012, then-Monsignor Chappetto was ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. In September 2013, Bishop Chappetto was named Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicar General.

The Most Reverend Raymond F. Chappetto will now serve as an Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Brooklyn effective immediately.

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